The service, conducted by the Dean of Belfast, the Very Reverend Houston McKelvey, was attended by health and social care staff, past and present, patients and their families and representatives of the community and voluntary sector. The four main churches in Northern Ireland were also represented.

The Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "When Aneurin Bevan's vision for a free health service for all was introduced in Northern Ireland by the then Minister of Health and Local Government William Grant in 1948, no one could have envisaged just how far the service would advance.

"From humble beginnings with a few thousand staff the health service is now Northern Ireland's largest employer, employing over 70,000 staff.

"Bevan said about the health service in 1948 that 'expectations will always exceed capacity. The service must always be changing, growing and improving — it must always appear inadequate'. I concur with Bevan and we shall never rest on our laurels. We will always continue to improve and provide all of our community with a first class health service they deserve and expect."

Since taking office last May, Mr McGimpsey has taken forward a major reform and modernisation programme under the Review of Public Administration which has reduced 19 health trusts to six.

He recently announced proposals for a new regional health and social care board and a public health agency.

He has also announced targets to drive down hospital waiting times, and in services such as access to cancer treatment and ambulance response times.